Losing Touch - A Documentary Film

"Losing Touch" is a feature-length documentary film about leprosy affected people in Nepal. We will talk to those who had the misfortune of contracting leprosy - a disease which most of us only know from books. Each individual story is different and often tragic - some have a happy ending, some do not.

What is this project all about?

Nepal is one of the hot spots in the world, where leprosy is still part of everyday life. New patients arrive at the hospitals each week and in almost every case, the diagnosis marks a turning point in the person’s life. Being affected by leprosy does not just mean being sick, but rather makes you “untouchable”, barring you from becoming a regular member of society ever again.

Fortunately, there are initiatives to help these people. One of them is New SADLE, a Nepali non-governmental organization. New SADLE provides medical treatment and living quarters to every person it takes in. Those who can work are offered a job, thus enabling them to financially support themselves once again.

“Losing Touch” will show you what it can mean to have contracted leprosy in the 21st century. We do not take sides, we do not judge. We just want to make people aware of things happening beyond their respective horizons. Because we – the lucky inhabitants of the so called developed world – have also lost touch …

What is the project goal and who is the project for?

We want to make a film that moves people. A film that tells real stories, real facts, but that most of all leaves it to the viewer to come to his or her own conclusions. Which brings us right to our target audience: This film will not be made for entertainment but for people who want to take a look beyond their respective horizons. We cannot change the world all in one go, but what we can do is to at least address a small part of it and make sure that this story is also heard in our hemisphere.

Why would you support this project?

First of all, we think this story deserves to be told. The people appearing in the film deserve to be heard. Now why should it be us who tell this story? Because we not only care about these people, but because we are also absolutely dedicated to this project.

Everyone involved in this film is currently working for free and will probably continue to do so for some time to come. Of course, we hope to get something out of it in the end. We have to pay our bills, too. But for us, the most important thing is getting this film out into the world – and we will not stop until we have achieved this goal.

How will we use the money if the project is successfully funded?

All the money raised here on Startnext, after deduction of the rewards and taxes, will be used 100 percent to cover our production costs. We will be shooting for 4 weeks in Nepal, so travel expenses alone will add up to quite an amount.

Of course, we would be very happy, if we could raise even more than the 12,500 Euros we ask for. There are always parts in the budget, where us creative people wish for more than the economical reality can provide. We have calculated this minimum amount in a way that we can honestly and with greatest confidence say that we can make a very good film, but every Euro on top will open up possibilities to make it even better.

Who are the people behind the project?

In the end, such a film is made by quite a number of people, some of whom don't even know of their involvement, yet. But four persons stand out, who have brought this project into existence and will be responsible for its successful conclusion creatively as well as economically:

More information about us, the other team members and everything else about the film can be found on our website www.losing-touch-film.com.

The film will be produced by FirstGrade Studios, the production company run by Hartmut Schotte and Daniel Libertus. Founded in 2001, FirstGrade Studios has well established itself in the market by now and has realized productions worldwide. For more information and to take a look at some of FirstGrade Studios’ most prominent productions, check out the company’s website at www.firstgrade-studios.de.

Crowdfunding is finished

The rewards can not be booked anymore. You find project updates in the blog.

5.00 €

Good Karma

Your support is rewarded with good karma. What's special about it: This karma is stackable! Choosing more than one is explicitly allowed.

22 booked

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10.00 €

From Nepal with Love

We'll send you a postcard from Nepal with our thanks, personally written by our three directors Hartmut, Christian and Marie.

19 booked

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15.00 €

The Film on a Disc (DVD)

You'll be among the very first to receive "Losing Touch" on DVD after its release. Also included in the package is a large quantity of gratitude for your support.

64 booked

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25.00 €

The Film of a Blue Disc (BluRay)

You want to watch "Losing Touch" in the best possible quality? Then the BluRay is the right choice for you. You will find our enclosed gratitude also to be of the high-definition kind, of course.

31 booked

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35.00 €

Something Practical for Everyday Life

We'll get you a nice product from the New SADLE workshop (like a scarf, bag, or something comparable), handmade by the very people who will appear in the film. Comes with an exclusive bonus feature: When using the product, you will feel a comforting breeze of our gratitude.

6 booked

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45.00 €

Film on a Disc in a Bag

The convenient package for today's mobile film lover. We'll get you a nice bag from the New SADLE workshop which can be used perfectly to transport the "Losing Touch" DVD. Since the bag is far from filled with just this, we'll add quite a large amount of appreciation on top.

10 booked

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55.00 €

Film on a Blue Disc in a Bag

The package with superior quality for the mobile film lover with especially good eye-sight. In this case, you will find the BluRay in the bag handmade in New SADLE's workshop, ensuring that your viewing pleasure is in no way decreased by even the largest screen sizes. Also, the amount of appreciation in the bag is much larger as well, due to the higher pixel density.

7 booked

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100.00 €

Surprise Package

Our goody bag for the generous supporter: Contains at least a DVD, BluRay or New SADLE product, in addition to an individual surprise. All packages also include a puff of happiness for everyone present when you first open it.

10 booked

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500.00 €

"Losing Touch" in a Circle of Friends

We'll come to you and your guests and present our film in a special screening, gladly with a little discussion afterwards. This applies to all places in Germany - we will happily go abroad, but in this case, additional costs may incur for our travel expenses. For your support, you will also receive the unlimited Exaltation of the Good Deed.

1 booked

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1,000.00 €

2 Tickets for the Germany Premiere

You and your plus-one are our special guests at the Germany premiere of "Losing Touch". Also included is accommodation near the venue (3 stars or better), as well as a whiff of the official premiere glamour which we will personally spread upon both of you.

0 of 5 booked

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6,000.00 €

Exclusive Trip to the Nepal Premiere

You and your plus-one will be flying with us to Kathmandu for the official Nepal premiere! Included in this package are the flights from Germany to Nepal and back, 4 nights at the hotel, a city tour and, of course, entry to the premiere as VIP guests. On top of that, we grant you the eternal Aura of the Best Supporter (while onboard the aircraft, please put in in flight mode, though. You know, because of the electronics ...).